SCOTTISH COUNCIL
ON ARCHIVES

Documents that Shaped the Nation Review and Results from the Event Held On St. Andrew's Night, 30th November 2005 in Rutherglen Town Hall

On a wintry evening in Rutherglen, over 200 people gathered to attend the Documents that Shaped the Nation event and celebrate St. Andrew's Night. The audience was a healthy mix of academics, politicians, Councillors, heritage professionals, students, school teachers and pupils. The Archbishop of Glasgow was also in attendance.

The evening began with a brief welcome from Councillor Eddie McAvoy, Leader of South Lanarkshire Council, the generous hosts of the evening. This was followed by a brief introduction from BBC Scotland's Political Editor, Brian Taylor, who chaired proceedings.

The speakers were each given an opportunity to make the case for their document, as the document that most shaped Scotland as a nation. Ted Cowan was first up, giving an entertaining insight into the Declaration of Arbroath and the impact it had not only on Scotland but continues to have throughout the world. While Tommy Sheridan MSP acknowledged that he was at a disadvantage given that he was up against the Declaration of Arbroath and the Treaty of Union1707, he proceeded to give a spirited recourse on the impact of the Poll Tax on Scotland and its reverberations throughout the rest of the UK. Professor Richard Finlay, also gave a good account whilst declaring that championing the Treaty of Union 1707 on St. Andrew's Night was a brave decision! Wendy Alexander concluded the speakers, giving a unique insight into the document she was championing, given her involvement in its creation.

After some insightful questions and equally thought provoking answers ably controlled by Brian Taylor, the audience were invited to vote for the Document that Shaped the Nation.

The eventual winner was declared as being the Declaration of Arbroath. The full results were:

1st: The Declaration of Arbroath, with 52% of the vote.

2nd: The Treaty of Union 1707 with 31% of the vote

3rd: The Scotland Act 1998 with 12% of the vote.

4th: The Abolition of Domestic Rates etc. (Scotland) Act 1987 with 5% of the vote.